Three Boks return for Bulls

The Bulls received a timely boost in advance of their Super Rugby semifinal - against a yet to be determined opponent.

The Bulls received a timely boost in advance of their Super Rugby semifinal - against a yet to be determined opponent.

The South African conference champions - who have a bye in this week's preliminary play-offs (quarterfinals) - will be able to make use of Springboks Jan Serfontein, Francois Hougaard and Flip van der Merwe.

The Bulls will host the highest ranked winner from this coming weekend's matches - which will see the fourth-ranked Crusaders host the Reds (in fifth place on the table), while the Brumbies (third) are at home to the Cheetahs (sixth).

According to Bulls team doctor Org Strauss all of Serfontein (knee), Hougaard (ankle) and Van der Merwe will be fit to play in the semifinal.

Serfontein and Hougaard missed the Stormers clash at the weekend due to their injuries and Van der Merwe was forced off early in that clash.

Paul Willemse also played for 62 minutes for the Blue Bulls Under-21 side in his first outing since recovering from a knee injury and will be considered for the semifinal.